I'm looking to buy a new trumpet for jazz. I've been playing an LA Benge, but am looking for something a little darker and fuller. I've been looking at any older Martin Committee. I've also been told that Yamaha makes some nice horns that would fill the bill. I'm actually very open minded about it. I realize that everyone has their opinion as to what's best, but I'd love to hear you're thoughts.

Suggestions would be directly relative to how much you're willing to spend. However, I would first say that you don't necessarily need a whole new trumpet to get a darker, fuller sound for jazz. You can do it with weighted bottom valve caps or by changing mouthpieces. My first suggestion for the mouthpiece route would be that you go to www.monette.net and read up on the trumpet mouthpieces they offer. Their sight has a description of each mouthpiece. If that's the way you choose, expect to pay around $215 each plus shipping and handling for their trumpet mpcs. I recently switched from a standard (Bach/Blessing) 7C to a Monette STC1-B4S mouthpiece. It centers my pitch throughout my range, and is much more comfortable to blow than a 7C. That's the best $215 I've spent on trumpeting since I started my comeback to playing in July 2003.

Note: It's never the equipment, and for jazz you really dont want a DARK sound if you will. This guy is wanting you to get monette equipment, and i do play on monette equipment, but for classical playing. Yes they have great mouthpieces, but if you purchase one, find a teacher that can teach you how to use it properly. If you want a nice jazz trumpet, go for the bach stradivarius model 43..it's the all time jazz horn.

You might like to check out Flipoakes.com and try his Wild Thing Trumpet. I own one as does many pros who say it's the best trumpet produced today for a Jazz player. I love my gold plated WT. I could never have played as well as I do now without the help of a horn that makes it so easy to play and still get the rich dark sound that I like.